Ruhmeshalle, Munich

Ruhmeshalle, MunichThe BuildingKing Ludwig I of Bavaria, who reigned from 1843 to 1853, decided it would be appropriate to erect a grand building inside which he could place busts of celebrated Bavarians who had made a name for themselves both nationally and internationally.

Ludwig chose a site above the Theresienwiese (site of the famous Oktoberfest) for this ornate columned building, designed by Leo von Klenze. The building is quite extensive, built in an open U-shape in Greco-Roman style, boasting three wings to house the tributes to Germany’s finest.

Many of the busts were destroyed during World War II and have been replaced by plaques rather than new statuary. However, the tradition of adding busts to the collection recommenced in 1966, so visitors can now enjoy viewing some more modern Bavarian notables when they enter the Ruhmeshalle.

The StatueThe large bronze statue that sits in front of the Ruhmeshalle represents the state of Bavaria and is simply referred to by locals as “Bavaria.”

This statue of a female figure, Bavaria’s “secular patron saint”, was also commissioned by Ludwig I. It stands 18.52 meters (60 ft 9 in) high and weighs about 87.36 tonnes (96.2 tons). It is so large that it had to be cast in individual sections and put together at the site.turkeyarena.com

The casting was done at the J.B. Stiglmair factory and most of the credit for the statue is awarded to the owner’s nephew, Friedrich von Miller, though it was designed by sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler. It is intended to be an allegoric personification of Bavaria's strength and glory and is Germanic Romantic in style.

The statue isn’t just your ordinary sculpture. Thanks to its size, visitors can ascend 66 steps to the top of Bavaria’s head where they’ll enjoy an excellent view of Munich.